Skin Cancer
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin Cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells, most commonly due to excessive sun exposure. It usually develops on sun-exposed areas but can occur anywhere on the body. With early detection and proper treatment, most skin cancers are highly treatable
Skin Cancer Types
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
•The most frequent type, BCC increases slowly and won't spread often. It tends to look like a shiny bump or sore that doesn't heal, usually on sun-exposed skin such as the face or neck.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
•SCC will show itself as a red, scaly spot, open sore, or elevated growth. If untreated, it may spread and tends to occur on frequently exposed areas to UV radiation.
•The most lethal form, melanoma arises in cells that produce pigment. It may spread to other organs quickly. It usually resembles an evolving mole or pigmented spot with notched borders.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
•A rare and vicious cancer that presents as a firm, painless nodule on sun-damaged skin. It tends to grow rapidly and may metastasize to lymph nodes or other places.
Cutaneous Lymphoma
•A very uncommon lymphocyte cancer of the skin that develops as red plaques or patches that might look like eczema or psoriasis.
Skin Cancer Symptoms
- •
One half of a mole or spot doesn't match the other half in shape, size, or appearance
- •
Uneven, scalloped, notched, or poorly defined edges around moles or skin lesions.
- •
Multiple colors or uneven shades within a single spot, including brown, black, tan, white, red, or blue variations
- •
Moles larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) or any spot that appears darker than surrounding moles
- •
Any mole or lesion that changes in size, shape, color, elevation, or develops new symptoms like itching, bleeding, or crusting
- •
Areas of skin that break down, form ulcers, or remain open without healing within four weeks
- •
Small, slow-growing, shiny bumps that may be pink, red, pearly white, or flesh-colored
- •
Rough, scaly, or itchy red areas on the skin that don't improve with treatment
- •
Moles or spots that bleed, ooze, crust, or scab without obvious injury.
What’s Notable
Most common cancer worldwide, especially among fair-skinned populations.
Main types include basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma.
Melanoma can be fatal, but early detection greatly improves survival.
When to Seek Help
Consult a dermatologist immediately if you notice any new, changing, or unusual spots on your skin, especially those showing asymmetry, irregular borders, color variations, or bleeding.
Skin Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
UV Radiation Exposure
Prolonged outdoor activities without adequate protection, especially during peak hours between 10 AM and 4 PM
Family History
Genetic predisposition through inherited mutations increases likelihood of developing skin cancer
Excessive Moles
Having more than 50 moles or atypical moles increases melanoma risk substantially
Weakened Immune System
Immunocompromised conditions or medications reduce the body's ability to fight cancerous cell changes
Age
Risk increases with age, particularly after 50, due to cumulative sun damage over time
Occupational Hazards
Work-related exposure to chemicals, radiation, or prolonged outdoor conditions increases vulnerability
Xeroderma Pigmentosum
Rare inherited condition preventing proper DNA repair from UV damage creates extremely high risk
Skin Cancer Diagnosis
Initial Symptoms & Check-up
Step 1: Initial Check-Up
(If you spot a suspicious skin change)
What happens: Your doctor will:
- Inspect any moles, spots, or sores for shape, color, and changes.
- Ask about when you first noticed the change and if it’s grown, itched, or bled.
- Review your personal and family skin cancer history.
Your role: Point out any new, changing, or unusual spots—even if they seem small or harmless.
Dermoscopic Examination
Step 2: Dermoscopic Examination
(A closer, detailed look at suspicious spots)
What happens: The doctor will:
- Use a special handheld device (dermatoscope) to magnify and inspect the skin’s structure.
- Assess features invisible to the naked eye to better identify concerning moles.
Your role: Stay still and relaxed so the doctor can carefully examine each area.
Biopsy & Pathology
Step 3: Biopsy (Definitive Test)
(To confirm or rule out cancer)
What happens: The medical team will:
- Remove a small sample or the entire skin abnormality with local anesthesia.
- Send the tissue to a pathology lab for detailed analysis.
Your role: Ask questions about the procedure and follow wound care instructions after your biopsy.
Blood Work
Step 4: Pathology and Lab Results
(Understanding the exact type and extent)
What happens: A pathologist will:
- Examine the sample under a microscope to confirm if it’s cancerous.
- Identify the specific skin cancer type and other details that guide treatment.
Your role: Discuss the results with your doctor and note any questions for your next visit.
Staging
Step 5: Staging and Further Tests
(To check if cancer has spread)
What happens:
- You may need imaging (like ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans) for deeper or advanced cases.
- A sentinel lymph node biopsy might be advised if melanoma is suspected, to see if cancer has reached lymph nodes.
Your role: Prepare for possible extra tests and review all options with your care team
Step 6: Individualized Treatment Plan
Your treatment—surgery, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination—is tailored to the stage of cancer, your overall health, and your preferences.
Step 1: Initial Check-Up
(If you spot a suspicious skin change)
What happens: Your doctor will:
- Inspect any moles, spots, or sores for shape, color, and changes.
- Ask about when you first noticed the change and if it’s grown, itched, or bled.
- Review your personal and family skin cancer history.
Your role: Point out any new, changing, or unusual spots—even if they seem small or harmless.
Step 2
Dermoscopic Examination
Step 3
Biopsy & Pathology
Step 4
Blood Work
Step 5
Staging
Step 6
Skin Cancer Treatment & Therapy
Chemotherapy
What it does:
Uses drugs to attack rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Treated for:
Rarely for common skin cancers, reserved for advanced situations.
Side effects:
Nausea, hair loss, infection risk.
Recovery:
Related to course length and drugs used.
Targeted Therapy
What it does :
Precisely blocks molecules/signals that cancer cells need to grow.
Treated for:
Advanced melanoma with specific genetic changes.
Side effects:
Skin rash, joint pain, fatigue.
Recovery:
Oral or IV drugs, response checked with scans; side effects managed during long-term use.
Immunotherapy
What it does:
Uses medications to boost the immune system to attack cancer cells throughout the body.
Used for:
Advanced melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma that has spread.
Side effects:
Fatigue, rash, rare immune complications.
Recovery:
Ongoing treatment, regular monitoring.
Radiation
What it does:
Uses targeted beams of radiation to destroy cancer cells.
When is it used:
For cancers difficult to remove surgically or in patients who cannot have surgery.
Side effects:
Skin redness, peeling, fatigue in treated area.
Recovery:
Side effects fade in weeks; skin may be sensitive for a few months.
Excisional Surgery
What it does:
Removes the tumor and a margin of healthy skin around it.
When is it used:
For most non-melanoma and some melanoma skin cancers, especially when cancer is localized.
Side effects:
Temporary pain, scarring, mild infection risk.
Recovery:
Most patients heal within 2–3 weeks, wounds may require stitches and proper wound care.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
What it does:
Surgeon removes skin cancer layer by layer, immediately examining each until only cancer-free tissue remains.
Treated for:
For cancers in sensitive or high-risk locations (face, ears, nose) and recurrent tumors.
Side effects:
Minor bleeding, swelling, scarring.
Recovery:
Usually rapid, with follow-up for skin healing and scar care.
Chemotherapy Cream (e.g., 5-FU)
What it does:
Kills abnormal cells when applied directly to the skin cancer area.
When is it used:
Early/superficial non-melanoma cancers like basal or squamous cell carcinoma.
Side effects:
Skin redness, irritation, crusting.
Recovery:
Treated area heals over several weeks.
Imiquimod or Immune Cream
What it does:
Stimulates the body’s immune system to destroy cancer cells.
When is it used:
Small basal cell or early superficial cancers.
Side effects:
Redness, swelling, mild rash.
Recovery:
Skin recovers within weeks of stopping treatment.
Cryosurgery
What it does:
Freezes and destroys cancer with liquid nitrogen.
When is it used:
Precancerous skin changes (actinic keratosis) and some early cancers.
Side effects:
Blistering, mild pain, temporary pigment loss.
Recovery:
Area crusts and sloughs off, usually heals in 2–4 weeks.
Photodynamic Therapy
What it does:
Combines a light-activated drug applied to the skin, then a special light destroys abnormal cells.
When is it used:
Pre-cancer or very thin basal/squamous cell carcinoma.
Side effects:
Redness, temporary light sensitivity in treated area.
Recovery:
Heals in days to weeks.
Management & Prevention
Wound Care
•Follow doctor’s guidance to keep the surgical site clean, dry, and protected from sun exposure.
•Apply prescribed ointments and change dressings as needed for proper healing.
Activity Restrictions
•Limit strenuous movement and stretching near the wound for as long as advised, gradually resuming normal activities as allowed by your surgeon
Sun Protection
•Avoid direct sunlight on healing areas and use broad-spectrum sunscreen after recovery to protect new skin and lower recurrence risk.
Mental Health Counseling and Support Groups
•Be patient with the healing process, including changes in skin appearance. Reach out for psychological support if you feel anxious about scars or recovery
Long-Term Skin Checks
•Schedule regular dermatology appointments for ongoing skin exams and self-checks at home. Early detection of new changes is crucial for long-term health
Lifestyle Modifications
•Adopt lifelong sun safety habits such as wearing hats and protective clothing, maintaining healthy weight, and quitting smoking
Follow-up Care
•Attend all scheduled follow-up visits to monitor healing, manage potential side effects, and check for any signs of recurrenc
Skin Cancer Types
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
•The most frequent type, BCC increases slowly and won't spread often. It tends to look like a shiny bump or sore that doesn't heal, usually on sun-exposed skin such as the face or neck.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
•SCC will show itself as a red, scaly spot, open sore, or elevated growth. If untreated, it may spread and tends to occur on frequently exposed areas to UV radiation.
•The most lethal form, melanoma arises in cells that produce pigment. It may spread to other organs quickly. It usually resembles an evolving mole or pigmented spot with notched borders.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
•A rare and vicious cancer that presents as a firm, painless nodule on sun-damaged skin. It tends to grow rapidly and may metastasize to lymph nodes or other places.
Cutaneous Lymphoma
•A very uncommon lymphocyte cancer of the skin that develops as red plaques or patches that might look like eczema or psoriasis.
Skin Cancer Symptoms
- •
One half of a mole or spot doesn't match the other half in shape, size, or appearance
- •
Uneven, scalloped, notched, or poorly defined edges around moles or skin lesions.
- •
Multiple colors or uneven shades within a single spot, including brown, black, tan, white, red, or blue variations
- •
Moles larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) or any spot that appears darker than surrounding moles
- •
Any mole or lesion that changes in size, shape, color, elevation, or develops new symptoms like itching, bleeding, or crusting
- •
Areas of skin that break down, form ulcers, or remain open without healing within four weeks
- •
Small, slow-growing, shiny bumps that may be pink, red, pearly white, or flesh-colored
- •
Rough, scaly, or itchy red areas on the skin that don't improve with treatment
- •
Moles or spots that bleed, ooze, crust, or scab without obvious injury.
What’s Notable
Most common cancer worldwide, especially among fair-skinned populations.
Main types include basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma.
Melanoma can be fatal, but early detection greatly improves survival.
When to Seek Help
Consult a dermatologist immediately if you notice any new, changing, or unusual spots on your skin, especially those showing asymmetry, irregular borders, color variations, or bleeding.
Skin Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
UV Radiation Exposure
Prolonged outdoor activities without adequate protection, especially during peak hours between 10 AM and 4 PM
Family History
Genetic predisposition through inherited mutations increases likelihood of developing skin cancer
Excessive Moles
Having more than 50 moles or atypical moles increases melanoma risk substantially
Weakened Immune System
Immunocompromised conditions or medications reduce the body's ability to fight cancerous cell changes
Age
Risk increases with age, particularly after 50, due to cumulative sun damage over time
Occupational Hazards
Work-related exposure to chemicals, radiation, or prolonged outdoor conditions increases vulnerability
Xeroderma Pigmentosum
Rare inherited condition preventing proper DNA repair from UV damage creates extremely high risk
Skin Cancer Diagnosis
Initial Symptoms & Check-up
Step 1: Initial Check-Up
(If you spot a suspicious skin change)
What happens: Your doctor will:
- Inspect any moles, spots, or sores for shape, color, and changes.
- Ask about when you first noticed the change and if it’s grown, itched, or bled.
- Review your personal and family skin cancer history.
Your role: Point out any new, changing, or unusual spots—even if they seem small or harmless.
Dermoscopic Examination
Step 2: Dermoscopic Examination
(A closer, detailed look at suspicious spots)
What happens: The doctor will:
- Use a special handheld device (dermatoscope) to magnify and inspect the skin’s structure.
- Assess features invisible to the naked eye to better identify concerning moles.
Your role: Stay still and relaxed so the doctor can carefully examine each area.
Biopsy & Pathology
Step 3: Biopsy (Definitive Test)
(To confirm or rule out cancer)
What happens: The medical team will:
- Remove a small sample or the entire skin abnormality with local anesthesia.
- Send the tissue to a pathology lab for detailed analysis.
Your role: Ask questions about the procedure and follow wound care instructions after your biopsy.
Blood Work
Step 4: Pathology and Lab Results
(Understanding the exact type and extent)
What happens: A pathologist will:
- Examine the sample under a microscope to confirm if it’s cancerous.
- Identify the specific skin cancer type and other details that guide treatment.
Your role: Discuss the results with your doctor and note any questions for your next visit.
Staging
Step 5: Staging and Further Tests
(To check if cancer has spread)
What happens:
- You may need imaging (like ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans) for deeper or advanced cases.
- A sentinel lymph node biopsy might be advised if melanoma is suspected, to see if cancer has reached lymph nodes.
Your role: Prepare for possible extra tests and review all options with your care team
Step 6: Individualized Treatment Plan
Your treatment—surgery, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination—is tailored to the stage of cancer, your overall health, and your preferences.
Step 1: Initial Check-Up
(If you spot a suspicious skin change)
What happens: Your doctor will:
- Inspect any moles, spots, or sores for shape, color, and changes.
- Ask about when you first noticed the change and if it’s grown, itched, or bled.
- Review your personal and family skin cancer history.
Your role: Point out any new, changing, or unusual spots—even if they seem small or harmless.
Step 2
Dermoscopic Examination
Step 3
Biopsy & Pathology
Step 4
Blood Work
Step 5
Staging
Step 6
Skin Cancer Treatment & Therapy
Chemotherapy
What it does:
Uses drugs to attack rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Treated for:
Rarely for common skin cancers, reserved for advanced situations.
Side effects:
Nausea, hair loss, infection risk.
Recovery:
Related to course length and drugs used.
Targeted Therapy
What it does :
Precisely blocks molecules/signals that cancer cells need to grow.
Treated for:
Advanced melanoma with specific genetic changes.
Side effects:
Skin rash, joint pain, fatigue.
Recovery:
Oral or IV drugs, response checked with scans; side effects managed during long-term use.
Immunotherapy
What it does:
Uses medications to boost the immune system to attack cancer cells throughout the body.
Used for:
Advanced melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma that has spread.
Side effects:
Fatigue, rash, rare immune complications.
Recovery:
Ongoing treatment, regular monitoring.
Radiation
What it does:
Uses targeted beams of radiation to destroy cancer cells.
When is it used:
For cancers difficult to remove surgically or in patients who cannot have surgery.
Side effects:
Skin redness, peeling, fatigue in treated area.
Recovery:
Side effects fade in weeks; skin may be sensitive for a few months.
Excisional Surgery
What it does:
Removes the tumor and a margin of healthy skin around it.
When is it used:
For most non-melanoma and some melanoma skin cancers, especially when cancer is localized.
Side effects:
Temporary pain, scarring, mild infection risk.
Recovery:
Most patients heal within 2–3 weeks, wounds may require stitches and proper wound care.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
What it does:
Surgeon removes skin cancer layer by layer, immediately examining each until only cancer-free tissue remains.
Treated for:
For cancers in sensitive or high-risk locations (face, ears, nose) and recurrent tumors.
Side effects:
Minor bleeding, swelling, scarring.
Recovery:
Usually rapid, with follow-up for skin healing and scar care.
Chemotherapy Cream (e.g., 5-FU)
What it does:
Kills abnormal cells when applied directly to the skin cancer area.
When is it used:
Early/superficial non-melanoma cancers like basal or squamous cell carcinoma.
Side effects:
Skin redness, irritation, crusting.
Recovery:
Treated area heals over several weeks.
Imiquimod or Immune Cream
What it does:
Stimulates the body’s immune system to destroy cancer cells.
When is it used:
Small basal cell or early superficial cancers.
Side effects:
Redness, swelling, mild rash.
Recovery:
Skin recovers within weeks of stopping treatment.
Cryosurgery
What it does:
Freezes and destroys cancer with liquid nitrogen.
When is it used:
Precancerous skin changes (actinic keratosis) and some early cancers.
Side effects:
Blistering, mild pain, temporary pigment loss.
Recovery:
Area crusts and sloughs off, usually heals in 2–4 weeks.
Photodynamic Therapy
What it does:
Combines a light-activated drug applied to the skin, then a special light destroys abnormal cells.
When is it used:
Pre-cancer or very thin basal/squamous cell carcinoma.
Side effects:
Redness, temporary light sensitivity in treated area.
Recovery:
Heals in days to weeks.
Management & Prevention
Wound Care
•Follow doctor’s guidance to keep the surgical site clean, dry, and protected from sun exposure.
•Apply prescribed ointments and change dressings as needed for proper healing.
Activity Restrictions
•Limit strenuous movement and stretching near the wound for as long as advised, gradually resuming normal activities as allowed by your surgeon
Sun Protection
•Avoid direct sunlight on healing areas and use broad-spectrum sunscreen after recovery to protect new skin and lower recurrence risk.
Mental Health Counseling and Support Groups
•Be patient with the healing process, including changes in skin appearance. Reach out for psychological support if you feel anxious about scars or recovery
Long-Term Skin Checks
•Schedule regular dermatology appointments for ongoing skin exams and self-checks at home. Early detection of new changes is crucial for long-term health
Lifestyle Modifications
•Adopt lifelong sun safety habits such as wearing hats and protective clothing, maintaining healthy weight, and quitting smoking
Follow-up Care
•Attend all scheduled follow-up visits to monitor healing, manage potential side effects, and check for any signs of recurrenc
Why Choose Everhope Skin Cancer?
At Everhope, our experts support your proactive care with advanced treatment — guiding you with knowledge, hope, and healing.
new cases are diagnosed everyday in the US
most prevalent cancer in the world.
new skin cancers in 2022
FAQs on Pancreatic Cancer
No question is too small when it comes to your care
Early signs of pancreatic cancer include persistent abdominal pain that radiates to the back, unexplained weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), changes in stool color, new-onset diabetes or blood sugar changes, and ongoing nausea or loss of appetite. These symptoms often appear gradually and can be mistaken for other conditions
Pancreatic cancer can potentially be cured if caught very early before it spreads, especially through surgical removal combined with chemotherapy. However, most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages when cure becomes unlikely. Early-stage pancreatic cancer has much better survival rates than advanced disease.
Treatment duration varies by stage and approach—surgery and recovery may take weeks to months, while chemotherapy regimens typically last 3-6 months for optimal results. Some patients receive ongoing maintenance therapy, and treatment timing is crucial, with earlier initiation within 6 weeks of diagnosis showing better outcomes
Pancreatic cancer has high recurrence rates—up to 80% of patients may experience recurrence even after surgery. Most recurrences happen within the first two years, with different patterns including liver, local, or lung recurrence each having different prognoses
Life expectancy depends heavily on stage at diagnosis. Overall five-year survival is about 13% for all stages combined, but localized cancer has 44% five-year survival while advanced cancer drops to 3%. Many factors influence individual outcomes including age, health status, and treatment response
About 10% of pancreatic cancers are hereditary, meaning they run in families due to inherited gene changes. If you have multiple family members with pancreatic cancer, you may have higher risk and should discuss genetic counseling with your doctor.
You can schedule pancreatic cancer consultations at Everhope Cancer Centre through our website, phone, or email for expert treatment including advanced therapies, nutritional support, and comprehensive care in Gurgaon
Pancreatic cancer and its treatments often cause appetite changes, nausea, weight loss, and difficulty digesting food. A dietitian can help create meal plans and suggest enzyme supplements to improve nutrition
Find a Centre Near You
Gurgaon EBD 65
EBD 65, Sector 65, Golf Course Extension Road, Gurgaon